Liposuction is one of the most casually referred to cosmetic treatments in North America but the average customer knows very little about how it works and what it can – and cannot – do. Before undergoing a liposuction treatment, it is important to be sure that you understand the basics and speak to your doctor to clear up any misconceptions you may have. Here are the top 5 most common myths about liposuction in our society:

Liposuction is not a replacement for weight loss:

Most people assume that liposuction can be used to “suck away” large volumes of fat without consequence but the procedure is much more limited than many customers realize. Large-volume liposuction is defined as a procedure that removes more than 5L of body fat. While this may sound like a lot, it is only actually about 11 pounds. Removal of this much body fat can result in a major fluid shift in the patient’s body, increasing the risk of pulmonary edema. Most patients who undergo large volume liposuction will need to be admitted to the hospital overnight for observation. Liposuction may sound like the answer to your prayers if you are unable to lose weight or are too lazy to exercise but those who undergo liposuction treatments without changing their lifestyle will be in for great disappointment and potential serious health complications.

Liposuction is best for spot fixes:

Patients with large amounts of undesired body fat will not benefit greatly from liposuction as the treatment is best used for small spot fixes such as removing stubborn love handles, saddlebags, or a small tummy left over once the patient has achieved their goal weight. It is not intended to make your thighs thinner or significantly reduce belly fat.

Patients of all sizes can benefit:

Liposuction is a treatment often used by those in good physical fitness who wish to trim a few extra inches of stubborn fat off their hips or stomachs but that does not mean that you must be a size 6 in order to benefit. As long as you are in good health and have reached your target weight, liposuction treatments can be used to create a more toned appearance.

Liposuction is a serious surgical procedure:

While it is true that most patients go home immediately following their procedure, there is still a lengthy recovery period following this procedure. Most patients will experience significant bruising and swelling that can take several weeks to go down and they will be required to wear a compression garment for 6 weeks following the operation.

There is no doubt that liposuction can be used to achieve great results in the right circumstances but it is a major operation with all of the attendant risks and it is far from pain-free. There is a large public misconception that liposuction is a gentle, simple procedure but this is simple not the case.

Exercise following liposuction is essential:

Liposuction treatments remove fat cells from just under the skin in order to create a more toned appearance. This is great for patients with active lifestyles who will continue to exercise and eat well in order to maintain their results. For those who are not motivated to exercise regularly, it can trigger a serious health problem: Some studies have shown that liposuction may cause an increase in the amount of fat which builds up deep in the abdomen and in between the organs. This fat can be dangerous and may lead to an increased risk of heart diseases or diabetes. Luckily, this increase in visceral fat does not occur in patients who exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Featured images:

License: Royalty Free or iStocksource: shutterstock.com

I, Jane Willys, am interested in learning more about surgeries and also medical aesthetic procedures to achieve the look one desires. I am looking for a more renewed and positive attitude towards surgeries! You can follow me at Facebook